Video: Immigrants, advocates rally for path to full U.S. citizenship

By News 12 - Long Island Staff

Immigrants and advocates gathered at the offices of Make the Road New York in Brentwood Wednesday afternoon to rally against a plan in Congress they say doesn’t go far enough toward a pathway to full citizenship.

Republicans in the House of Representatives are expected to push for immigration reform that would allow undocumented immigrants gain legal status, but not full citizenship.

Advocates say that the plan is a good start, but it does not go far enough.

“We really want to see something that reflects our values and principles. That doesn’t have such a focus on boarder enforcement and that gives a pathway to citizenship for all,” said Karina Claudio, of Make the Road New York.

There are an estimated 100,000 undocumented immigrants currently living on Long Island.

The Republican plan faces an uphill battle in the House, where Rep. Peter King (R – NY) says Republicans are fiercely opposed to “rewarding” those who came to the U.S. undocumented.

“[The GOP plan] does bring 10 or 11 million people out of the shadows, but we have to make sure it’s tied to enforcement of illegal immigration laws, and make sure the border is secured,” says King.